Dysphagia

… is difficulty processing and swallowing food or drinks. There can be different causes for dysphagia, such as:

  • Acquired brain injury (stroke, head trauma, tumor, etc.)

  • Neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, etc.)

  • Trauma or surgery in the mouth or throat area

  • Oncological treatment in the mouth or throat area (such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy)

Examples of symptoms are pain, discomfort, or a feeling of having foods ‘stuck’ while swallowing, food or drinks coming back up, liquids spilling over the lips, hoarseness, and coughing during or after the meal.

Swallowing disorders are diagnosed in collaboration with an ENT, who performs a swallowing exam.

A young woman sitting at a book with a blue balloon in her right hand and a finger on her temple, facing an older man with glasses, who is holding a similar blue balloon and looking at a piece of paper on the table. The setting is a room with large windows showing greenery outside.
Line drawing of a sagittal section of a human head showing nasal cavity, mouth, and spinal column.

Treatment includes a combination of customised compensation measures and exercise therapy of the affected structures, such as targeting tongue strength and flexibility or lifting capacities of the voice box.

Prophylactic dysphagia therapy is a separate kind of treatment that takes place before and during radiotherapy of the mouth or throat area, to prepare and protect the swallowing structures by strengthening and flexing them.


Dysphagia often co-occurs with speech or voice problems. We will adapt the therapy plan to fit your needs in each area.